Spectre Association

Jan: Dennis Ramsey: Dennis Ramsey Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC - Naples on Jan. 31, 2026.

Dennis Ramsey passed away at home on 19 January 2026 after a courageous battle with Cancer.

He was born August 7th, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to John (Jack) and Velma Ramsey. Velma and Jack also had twin daughters Donna (deceased) and Ronna. In 1958 the family moved to Venice, CA where Dennis attended Venice High School and was introduced to Gymnastics as a pommel horse specialist. In his senior year (1965), he tied for first place in the LA Western League Conference.

Excelling in gymnastics, Dennis was offered a full scholarship to Santa Monica City College where he won 1st place in the Metro Conference. He was offered a full scholarship for gymnastics from coaches at Berkley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbera, and Brigham Young University. He selected BYU and enrolled in Air Force ROTC. While at BYU, he achieved NCAA All American status in 1968 and 1969 and was inducted into the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame, 1989.

Second Lieutenant Ramsey entered the Air Force in 1970 as a navigator and was assigned to the 16th Special Ops Squadron AC-130 Spectre Gunships in Ubon, Thailand. His next assignment 1973 was the 21st C-130 Tactical Airlift Squadron in Taiwan and then the Philippines. In 1979, he was assigned to the US Air Force Academy as the Women's Assistant Coach Gymnastic Coach later becoming the Men's Head Coach. Dennis was a sensor operator on AC-130 gunships in the early 70's, He later returned to the AC-130's as a Fire Control Officer.

In 1982, he married Cheryl Marx, the love of his life. In 1986, they were assigned to Special Operations at Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His work involved Delta Seal Team 6, Rangers, and Special Forces. During Dennis' time in Special Operations, he was involved with the overthrow of the Panamanian dictator, Manuel Noriega. Dennis retired from active duty in 1993.

Continuing his love for teaching and coaching, in 1996 he accepted the position of AFJROTC Professor at Lafayette County High School in Oxford, Mississippi.

In 2001 Dennis returned to active duty, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Hurlburt Field, FL. After the September 11th attacks, Dennis volunteered for three rotations to Afghanistan, working with the Army. In 2004, Dennis and Cher returned to the Assistant Gymnastics coaching position at the Air Force Academy.

After 30 years and 31 moves, in 2006 Dennis and Cher retired from the Air Force. During his multiple assignments he was awarded:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Feb 1973

Bronze Star Jun 2002

Air Medal w 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, Apr 1973

Air Force Commendation Medal, Dec 1974

Returning to civilian life they purchased a 43-foot RV where they spent 7 years traveling the great United States. They wintered in Silver Lakes RV Park in Naples, FL and in 2013 they moved to the Naples, Verona Walk Community.

A Celebration of his life will be held in Naples in the near future. Donations in his name can be made to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

50th Spectre Reunion today.?